Dutch Tall Ships are on their way

30 April 2013

Dutch Tall Ships Europa, Oosterschelde and Tecla are sailing around the world in the wake of Dutch explorers Abel Tasman and Cornelis de Houtman, on their way to the Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta.

In Melbourne they will be joining Lord Nelson, R Tucker Thompson, Picton Castle and Spirit of New Zealand for three legs – a cruise in company to Hobart, Australia, a cruise in company to Sydney, Australia and a final race to Auckland in New Zealand, during September and October 2013.

Paul Bishop, Head of Race Directorate for Sail Training International, organisers of the race, said, “The 2013 Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta is unique; it’s the first ever Sail Training International event to be held in Australasian waters. Commemorating the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy into Sydney, this is the adventure of a lifetime for anyone interested in taking part.”

As part of the event, the Dutch ships are sailing to their first port - Cape Town, South Africa – past the notorious Dutch-named-capes: Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn. The first ship to arrive, at the beginning of May, will be three-masted bark Europa, that is currently sailing east after completing her Antarctica season.

Oosterschelde and Tecla have departed from Brazil and are now crossing the Atlantic following the ancient trade routes.

The ships will meet in Cape Town for at least 10 days, to prepare for the next part of the circumnavigation. Tecla and Oosterschelde will be open to the public 10am-2pm, Sunday 5 May and all three ships are open 10am – 2pm, Sunday 12 May. Besides the open ship days, companies and other groups can charter the ships for an event.

All three vessels then set sail to Mauritius and onwards to Fremantle, Australia - the kick-off port for beautiful and amazing voyages along the south coast of Australia.

How to take part

Everyone can experience crossing the oceans on board of these traditional sailing ships during one or more legs of this historic circumnavigation, or as part of the Sydney to Auckland Tall Ships Regatta.

No sailing experience is required. The professional crew of the ship is more than willing to explain and teach the guest crew members about navigation, sail handling and more. All ages and nationalities can participate.

If interested in the Regatta and round the world voyage there is more information here with an online booking form connected to MTA (Mobile Travel Agents).

Sail training is an adventure activity, which includes far more than sailing instruction. Participants are required to confront demanding challenges, both physical and emotional. It is an activity that inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility. It promotes an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds, and develops a willingness to take controlled risks. Those who undertake Sail Training on Tall Ships generally find it a positive life-changing experience.